F3 S R Shock Advice

[Flanker]

Not at all happy with the stock F3 S R shock. It's OK; barely--it's too soft for my 185lbs---bet it'll be really great [or not] for two up riding--given the NO spring pre-load! I've looked at the BRP/FOX (the $650 one, not the cheapo one) shock, and the Elka Stage 2 (I'd really like to run with the Stage 4 but can't gut the extra $200.00 for a compression circuit). I'm definitely leaning towards the Elka (never heard anyone here who's said anything other than they make a good shock), but would consider another brand "if" anyone has had actual experience with one and cost is in the same ball park as the $600.00 Stage 2 Elka.

No air shocks! Just coil overs. TY!

 

[ArañaRider]

wow. rear suspension pricing is shocking

 

[Rondaa]

Good you are skipping over the occasional two up shock the F3S needs adjustable shock hope you find a good one. Then I might know what to get for mine

 

[Roadster Renovations]

If you go Elka I would check with them about warranty. They used to only warranty their shocks if they were removed and shipped back to be rebuilt every year. If you don't do that and they start leaking, you are out of coverage. Not sure about Fox.
I went to the occasional 2 up shock and it is adequate. Much better than the one that came with it.
Does Fox even make one for the rear shock on the F3S?

 

[monkeyboymorton]

I went to the occasional 2 up shock and it is adequate. Much better than the one that came with it. Does Fox even make one for the rear shock on the F3S?

I would agree on the '2 up' - good enough for everyday use as a single rider.

Fox do make an upgraded adjustable rear but it is expensive - a UK listing as an example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOX-Adjust...039553&hash=item4d50f5acf5:g:-ZEAAOSw44BYXPq3

This replaced the podium 2.0 with separate reservoir, although some sellers still have left units of those.

 

[monkeyboymorton]

The no.1 choice for aftermarket in Europe at the moment is Shock Factory:

http://www.shock-factory.co.uk/m-shocks-home.html

a British/French company. I'm hearing great things about them and intend fitting a full set in the future.

Unfortunately I can't see that they sell into the US so would have to be imported individually. Prices are £350 for their rear and £600 for a front pair. Those prices include 20% tax so you would get that taken off before shipping overseas and then pay tax at your end.

 

[jcthorne]

If you go Elka I would check with them about warranty. They used to only warranty their shocks if they were removed and shipped back to be rebuilt every year. If you don't do that and they start leaking, you are out of coverage. Not sure about Fox.
I went to the occasional 2 up shock and it is adequate. Much better than the one that came with it.
Does Fox even make one for the rear shock on the F3S?

This was never true for Spyder installations and was clarified here on Spyderlovers by Elka.

I have the Elka stage 2 rear on my F3S and its great. Love the dual rate spring setup they use. Soft ride for minor bumps and stiffens up for larger excursions.

 

[Roadster Renovations]

This was never true for Spyder installations and was clarified here on Spyderlovers by Elka.

I have the Elka stage 2 rear on my F3S and its great. Love the dual rate spring setup they use. Soft ride for minor bumps and stiffens up for larger excursions.

When I suggested that he check with them about the annual rebuild, I was remembering this thread:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?80248-ELKA-problem&highlight=elka+leaking

 

[EricP]

From what I gathered by a quick glance on their website, their shocks are only warrantied for 1 year (https://us.elkasuspension.com/support/warranty/).

Aside from this, Elka recommends a maintenance schedule for motorcycle shocks (https://elkasuspension.dozuki.com/Document/4WssMtT5YXm4X3Ag/.pdf - logically for Spyder too since their options are Motorcycles or Powersports for guides) at the end of every riding season / 1 year to change oil, piston and wearband, clean interior parts, check nitrogen pressure (each 6 months or each year, depending on usage)

So looking at the thread Doc referenced, it looks accurate.....he was beyond a year, and regardless of mileage, they recommend annual service (but warranty still expires after 1 year).

 

[Flanker]

Thanks to all for the input!

Rondaa------YOU'RE supposed to be advising me--not the other way around! :joke:

EricP--good info to know, TY!

jcthorne----TY for the F3 S first hand!

OK.................exhaust first (TBR-S1R slip on with P1X tip and can opener baffle)---then the stage 2 Elka!

 

[jcthorne]

When I suggested that he check with them about the annual rebuild, I was remembering this thread:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?80248-ELKA-problem&highlight=elka+leaking

And in that thread, John from Elka states in post 26 that annual rebuilds are NOT necessary for Spyders.

I have not seen a single incidence of a Spyder owner 'wearing out' an Elka shock. Yes a scant few developed leaks due to faulty seals but Elka covered the cost to rebuild those.

They can and do eventually wear out but they are MUCH longer lived than the OEM shocks and are rebuild-able when they do. There is no need to send them in for rebuild until they fail. For most, the bike will be long gone before that happens.

 

[Flanker]

TBR exhaust, P1X, and baffle enroute! :yes:

Elka Stage 2 tomorrow! :2thumbs:

UPDATE 6/12/18: Ordered it.......supposed to be here the first week of July.